In their online Project Absurd report, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a link to a consumer alert titled, "Avoiding the Muscle Hustle: Tips for Buying Exercise Equipment," which offers excellent advice to avoid being duped by overblown marketing claims. The FTC advises consumers to:
• Ignore claims that an exercise machine or device can provide long-lasting, easy, "no-sweat" results in a short time. These claims are false: You can't get the benefits of exercise unless you exercise. • Don't fall for claims that a product can burn fat off a particular part of the body - for example, the buttocks, hips, or stomach. Achieving a major change in your appearance requires sensible eating and regular exercise that works the whole body. • Read the ad's fine print. The advertised results may be based on more than just using a machine. They also may be based on restricting calories. • Be skeptical of testimonials and before-and-after pictures from "satisfied" customers. Their experiences may not be typical. Just because one person had success with the equipment doesn't mean you will, too. • Do the calculations when you read statements like "three easy payments of . . ." or "only $49.95 a month." The advertised cost may not include shipping and handling fees, sales tax, and delivery and set-up fees. Find out the details before you order. • Get details on warranties, guarantees, and return policies. A "30-day money-back guarantee" may not sound as good if you have to pay shipping on a bulky piece of equipment you want to "return to sender." • Check out the company's customer and support services. Call the advertised toll-free numbers to get an idea of how easy it is to reach a company representative and how helpful he or she is. |
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Exercise Info > Post-Natal Articles > Let The Buyer Beware